8 Ways to Get More Steps if You Work a Desk Job

I work at a computer for forty hours a week, and then I come home and put at least another 40 hours into this blog a week. That’s a lot of sitting! I have to make a lot of extra effort to make sure I am not just sedentary the entire day.

It can be challenging, but it can be done! Here are some really simple ways to get more steps and add a little extra effort and mileage to your day!

8 Ways to Get More Steps if You Work a Desk Job

Park really far away

This seems like a given, but how much time do we spend circling parking lots looking for the spot closest to the door? Whereas if you park at the end of the parking lot, you can park more quickly and add some extra walking to your day. Did circling the parking lot for 10 minutes to get that prime spot really get you in and out of the store any faster? Didn’t think so.

Eat lunch at the park

Check out a local park or walking trails in your area. How long does it take to eat–10, 15 minutes? Pack a lunch and head to a trail if it’s nice outside and enjoy nature! You’ll feel a lot better when you get back to work and ready to start the second half of your day!

Set an alarm to get up once an hour and move around

Try setting an alarm on your phone or FitBit that will remind you to get up and move around once an hour! It’s good to stand up and walk around, not just for your body, but for your mind! You will feel more refreshed and better able to tackle your next project.

Go for “walk breaks”

One healthy habit I adopted when I quit smoking was to still take my daily “Smoke break”, but now I take a “walk break”. It’s a lot better for me, but I still get to clear my head and go outside for a minute, which had been the hardest part of giving up smoking for me!

Walk in place when brushing your teeth

If you are coordinated enough to do this, walk in place while brushing your teeth to get more steps. I also try to do lunges or squats when brushing my teeth…it’s all about time management! Yes I end up with a lot of toothpaste mishaps, but I’m also a huge klutz.

Walk around the parking lot instead of waiting in the car

My husband loves to go to thrift stores, and unless I’m looking for something specific, I hate them! I used to wait in the car while he would shop, but now I walk around the parking lot. It keeps me from trying to rush him, and it helps me get a little bit of extra exercise!

Haha! Do you have a FitBit? My Fitbit now has a goal of making me walk at least 250 steps every hour. I try to set alarms to get up and walk around each hour as well. How far away is your parking spot to your office?